Good News! Stories We Dig From Around the Web

New research confirms that eating more fruits and veggies reduces the risk of stroke worldwide. According to the American Heart Association, you should be chowing down on at least four to five servings a day.

Jennifer Lopez goes vegan! So far, she feels great on her new diet, minus an occasional butter craving. JLo: have you tried our vegan bananas foster made with vegan margarine and coconut ice cream? [Ecorazzi]

Keep it up, bean lovers: New research suggests that a high-fiber diet may lower your risk of stroke. (The American Heart Association recommends at least 25 grams a day, but most people don't get nearly that amount.) Just 7 grams more a day can make a big difference—that's the equivalent of a serving of whole-wheat pasta and two servings of fruits or veggies.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: A new study finds following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil or nuts reduces the risk of stroke by 30 percent. In case you're wondering: participants consumed at least four tablespoons of olive oil—or a handful of nuts—every day for five years.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links of the moment: Stashing a snack in your drawer? Go nuts: a new study shows that eating nuts (particularly walnuts) three times a day reduces the risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Produce companies will soon be allowed to use Sesame Street characters to market fruits and veggies free of charge. (A recent study showed that twice as many kids chose to eat an apple over a cookie when the apple had an Elmo sticker on it.)

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: A new study finds eating blueberries and strawberries three times a week may lower a woman's risk of heart attack. That's 'cause the beloved fruits contain heart-healthy antioxidants called anthocyanins, also found in grapes and wine.